27-Day Amazon Explorer

Guests on Holland America Line cruises can learn how to display and share their vacation memories through the Digital Workshop powered by Windows. This enrichment program offers free, informative sessions that are led by a Microsoft-trained "techspert" on a variety of relevant topics such as:

• How to take, edit and enhance better photos

• How to post your photos to the web or email them to friends and family back home

• How to create blog entries, videos, scrapbooks and more

The Digital Workshop offers many free, easy-to-use photo sharing tips and tools, so it's not necessary to be an expert photographer or an experienced computer user to benefit from the program. The workshops showcase state-of-the-art technology provided and maintained by Microsoft -- including Windows8 computers, printers, scanners and a wireless network -- and conveniently have their own dedicated space on each ship. Flat-screen TVs in each session allow for easy viewing of videos and "techspert" demonstrations.

The jargon-free interactive classes include:

• Editing your cruise photos

• Turning your cruise photos and videos into a slide show

• Getting your photos out of the camera and into the computer

• Advanced editing of your cruise photos

• Sharing your cruise photos via email and the Internet

• PC safety and maintenance

• Learning fun ways of staying connected with instant messaging and webcams

• Learning the basics of staying connected through social networking

• Understanding the basics of your digital camera

• Learning what PC is right for your lifestyle and how to find the best offers

• Seeing how Windows 8 can simplify your PC and your life

Guests can choose to attend all or just some of these 60-minute workshops, each of which will be offered at various times and days throughout each cruise. Multiple workshops will be held every day. In addition, one-on-one coaching called "Techspert Time" will also be available every day.

Scheduling of classes can be done on board only and cannot be pre-reserved prior to sailing.

From steel drum lessons in the Caribbean, to tai chi with a master in Asia, to Celtic fiddlers in the Canadian Maritimes—Holland America Line’s "On Location" program brings local culture to life showcasing unique entertainment and enriching activities as well as the cuisine of each region.

"On Location" provides so many experiences for guests to enjoy, like taking a Tango lesson in Argentina, a hula class in Hawaii or searching the southern sky with an astronomer in the South Pacific, the options go on and on. The Culinary Arts Center also comes alive as visiting chefs from along the route add local flavour to cooking shows and hands-on classes. Guests may choose to prepare the perfect salmon in Alaska, make sushi in Asia or learn to enhance dishes with the spices of the Caribbean. Wine lovers can pair food with the perfect wine as experts from vineyards in Europe, Australia and Chile host tastings.

There will also be a new sizzle to Holland America Line’s menus each day. The onboard chefs will create dishes using locally sourced ingredients, which will delight guests with an enticing array of regional cuisine.

Hosted by the on-board party planner, classes take place in the Culinary Arts Centre, a first-class “show kitchen at sea,” or in one of the many bars and lounges. The line schedules classes throughout the day on both sea and port days to fulfil the demand for the culinary program.

Ranging from seasonal cuisine to fruit and vegetable art, the flavourful and fun classes enable guests to learn from Holland America Line’s own professional culinary staff and discover the finer art of entertaining during their cruise. Itinerary themed cooking demonstrations focus on the ship’s sailing region and bring the local flavours on board. When in Alaska, the program offers “Flavours of the Northwest” and “Fresh Ketch.” Guests sailing on Caribbean itineraries may learn how to make jerk chicken or shrimp scampi, while those on Mediterranean cruises could prepare pasta with chorizo sauce or a warm crostini with classic caponata and mozzarella.

The Culinary Art Centre features a theatre-style venue, with two large plasma video screens and a large cooking display counter where guests can learn from Holland America Line’s own professional culinary staff. Offered on all sailings and ranging from itinerary based cuisine to fruit and vegetable art, the flavourful and fun classes enable guests to discover the finer art of entertaining during their cruise. Sign up for an intimate hands on cooking class or attend one of the very popular cooking demonstrations in the theatre.

In conjunction with the Holland America Line Beverage team, the Culinary Art Centre offers a Signature Cocktail program where guests can learn how to prepare world class cocktails from one of the ship’s bartenders. Wine tastings hosted by the Cellar Master and Party Planner are also available on every cruise. You can enjoy two different tasting levels – Navigator Wine Tasting or Premium Wine Tasting.

To complete the culinary experience the Culinary Art Centre features demonstrations on the Fine Art of Flower Arranging, Ice Carving, Cake Decorating, Plate Presentation and Garnishing, Easy Entertaining and more. All hosted by the onboard Party Planner and demonstrated by Holland America Line culinary experts, florists, and carvers.

World Stage, the largest theatre on board is home to a variety of performances day and night. Our exclusive EXC® Talk lecture series features captivating regional stories told by local experts and narrated by your Cruise & Travel Director. In the evenings, Step One Dance Company, vocal sensation Cantaré, BBC Earth in Concert and more take the stage. Koningsdam, Nieuw Statendam and Rotterdam bring the World Stage experience to the next level by surrounding you in spectacular sight and sound with a two-story, panoramic LED screen.

Our partnership with BBC Earth brings their innovative and breathtaking programming to the World Stage. Award-winning soundtracks are performed live as BBC Earth’s incredible wildlife footage fills the big screen. It’s an unforgettable experience that will leave you with a new perspective on the planet.

Holland America Line offers you a wide selection of lounges onboard. The panoramic view takes center stage in The Crow's Nest at the top of the ship, where you can relax just about any time of day and enjoy your favorite drink.

Enjoy a refreshing beverage poolside in shaded seating around the bar or delivered to your sunny chaise lounge.

The Explorer’s Lounge is an elegant and refined space to enjoy a glass of wine, a cocktail, or your favorite liqueur.

Your Holland America Line ship’s Casino offers a wide array of gaming options. Whether you prefer slot machines or want to try your hand at blackjack or poker, our dealers and staff are available to provide complimentary instruction — and we offer many engaging tournament options. The Casino is only open at sea.

Enjoy live music in this popular bar perfect for pre-dinner cocktails.

Screening nightly in the movie theatre (on select ships) are recent-release films and perennially popular classics. You can also watch movies any time in your stateroom or suite. And aboard Koningsdam, Nieuw Statendam and Rotterdam, watch your favourite stars light up the night on a giant outdoor LED movie screen by the Lido Pool.

The Explorations Café, powered by The New York Times, offers a comfortable coffee house environment where you can browse through one of the most extensive libraries at sea, view a wide array of audio and video programming, or simply read the morning paper. Guests can also enjoy fresh pastries and their favourite espresso drink provided by Torrefazione Italia.

Internet stations featuring news and email, with free access to The New York Times online edition (wireless hot spots also available for those traveling with laptops) are also available, as well as destinations-related content and travel-related crossword puzzles provided by The New York Times. For those looking for another kind of relaxing activity, there are also large jigsaw puzzle tables.

As a guest onboard Holland America Line, you are invited to indulge your inner art connoisseur by immersing yourself in the ship’s exclusive onboard gallery and fine art experience. Through exciting live auctions, dazzling gallery exhibitions, enriching educational programs and intimate champagne-sipping enthusiast events, you are destined for a memorable artistic encounter that will ignite your passion for fine art.

Representatives from Park West Gallery bring their expertise to Holland America Line and afford the art novice to seasoned aficionado access to an extensive array of paintings, prints, drawings, watercolours, mixed-media, sports memorabilia and animation art. Park West engages guests in a way that is sure to surprise and delight every level of collector.

Vibrant works of art by world-renowned contemporary artist Peter Max, quiet cottage scenes by Thomas Kinkade and collectable sports memorabilia from favourite athletes are but glimpses of the broad range of exquisite items offered by Park West Gallery to guests on board Holland America Line. Be sure to visit the gallery on embarkation day to pre-register for the art activities and ensure a space in one of the educational programs and champagne events. Gallery event guests also have the opportunity to take home a complimentary gift of art and enter raffle drawings for special art prizes.

Founded in 1969, Park West Gallery has brought fine works of art to more than 1.3 million clients worldwide through events at sea, at its gallery locations in Michigan and Florida, and by select auctions in major metropolitan areas. Every purchase from Park West Gallery comes with a certificate of authenticity, assuring that each is subjected to the highest level of artistic and critical scrutiny. The gallery also offers convenient shipping and framing services so you may easily enjoy your new work of art at home.

Enjoy a wide variety of duty-free shopping in such signature shops as The Vault, Diamonds and Gemstones by Merabella, which offers the best diamonds at sea, brought to you by Effy.

Holland America Line offers you a wide selection of lounges and gathering places onboard. Explore Mix for Champagne, Martinis, and Spirits and Ales.

It all begins with a great photo taken at embarkation -- the first of many photo opportunities. Your onboard photographers, called "Image Creators" will be with you throughout the cruise, ready to capture that special moment at the Bon Voyage Party, Formal Night, Scenic Cruising and more.

The Photo Gallery on board offers print and digital photos, photo packages and DVDs of your cruise itinerary and voyage. Be sure to take home memories of your voyage that will last a lifetime.

Black Label Photography- Whether the look he captures on film is thoughtful, irreverent or joyous, Joe Craig believes a successful photograph reveals the soul of its subject. He has spent his life perfecting his craft and teaching it to others. See what his approach can show you.

Joe Craig Black Label creates images that blend innocence and sophistication. It’s a great opportunity for you and your friends, family or special someone to capture the memory of your voyage in interpretive photography.

All Black Label artists on board are personally trained by Joe, and studio sessions are complimentary, with no obligation to buy and no sitting fee.

Holland America Line is known for the extensive art collections onboard each of its ships. Now, fine art goes high tech. The line invites you to enjoy the self-guided walking tour for each ship which highlights the art onboard an eclectic collection that is valued at tens of millions of dollars.

Narrated by well-known radio hosts Paul Lasley and Elizabeth Harryman, the 30-40 minute tours include walking directions, interviews with artists, background music and thumbnails of some of the artwork. Download the ship-specific art tour onto your personal iPod, MP3 or portable media player before you embark on your Holland America Line cruise. Pre-loaded art tours are also available on board.

The Step One Dance Company, comprised of six elite dancers, tours the Holland America Line fleet presenting works from notable choreographers who have blended high-caliber dance with technology to create two unique shows. 

Cantaré is back with electrifying performances featuring iconic pop songs and amazing harmonies.

Refresh, Relax and Rejuvenate

During a leisurely day at sea, few places help you refresh, relax and rejuvenate like the Greenhouse Spa & Salon®. This heavenly retreat nurtures every aspect of your well-being with renowned spa rituals and healing touches. In the spa, pamper your skin with facial treatments featuring premium, naturally sourced ingredients. Nurture your body, too, with massage treatments employing time-honoured, hands-on massage techniques gleaned from around the world.

Stop by the professionally staffed Fitness Center equipped with the latest cardio and weight machines. Try one of our classes on indoor cycling, Pilates and more or work out at your own pace. You can also head out for fresh air and exercise on deck, where you'll find basketball and volleyball courts, and two refreshing pools (available on select ships). Some classes may have a nominal fee.

The Lido pool, located on the Lido Deck, is protected from varying weather by the ship's retractable glass roof. There are also two whirlpools available- the area is served by the Lido Bar and Terrace Grill.

The Sea View Pool is the ship's outdoor pool and is located at the back of the Lido Deck.

Play the fastest-growing sport in the U.S. with Holland America Line, the exclusive cruise line partner of the Professional Pickleball Association. All our cruise ships feature pickleball courts with amazing top-deck views. The equipment and courts are available for a match anytime, so long as the weather allows. Frequent pickler? Join a pickleball tournament at sea and put your dink shot to the test. Hesitant amateur? Learn the basics at complimentary beginner’s lessons, starting in spring 2023. Commemorative starter kits will soon be available in our retail shops — purchase as gifts for avid players or as souvenirs, so that you can always look back on your pickleball cruise memories.

Highlights for kids ages 3 to 6 include a variety of activities, crafts, games and theme parties, such as “Dino-Mite Night” and “Ships Ahoy Pirate Treasure Hunt Adventure.”

From arts & crafts and sporting events to gaming tournaments and theme parties, tweens will have plenty to enjoy.

During the day, teens meet up for sports challenges and group games while our Hosts provide exclusive teen events like Poker Night and Video Game Tournaments at night.

Kids Club activities are available from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on port days*. Lunch is not offered as part of this service. Children must be registered and signed into and out of programming by a parent or guardian.

*Hours of operation may change to better serve our guests.

Children with special needs are invited to attend Kids Club activities based on their chronological age. In some cases, parental supervision may be required. Please let us know when booking your reservation.